Juan Carlos Durán (ATEAN): Lack of specialists and legislative changes, the sector's main challenges
The lack of specialists for construction sites (welders, refrigeration technicians, etc.) and the changes in such a short time in the legislation on refrigerant gases are two of the main challenges for the air conditioning and refrigeration sector, as Juan Carlos Durán Quintero, consultant engineer and president of the Association of Energy Technicians of Andalusia (ATEAN).
What are the main objectives of ATEAN?
ATEAN is an association of specialists and its aims are, fundamentally, to train its members and inform them of technical and legislative developments, as well as to participate as energy experts in relevant initiatives.
How can you contribute to improving the energy system?
We are part of a set of initiatives that contribute to the rational use of energy, to energy saving, whether in buildings or in industry, as well as to the expansion of renewable energies, such as a working group on energy communities.
What is the relationship between ATEAN members and the air conditioning and refrigeration sector?
Most of our members work in this sector, either exclusively, as air conditioning or industrial/commercial refrigeration installers, or as commercial technicians, or they have some relationship with this sector, as technicians in construction companies, or civil servants in different administrations, from teachers to maintenance staff.
What specific challenges or challenges does this sector present?
There are two main ones: the lack of technicians for construction sites, such as welders, refrigeration technicians, etc.; and the changes in the legislation on refrigerant gases in such a short period of time.
What technological developments in this area do you consider to be the most decisive?
All those related to the increasing presence of natural refrigerant gases (CO2, propane and ammonia) in all types of applications.